Getting Started with MakeCode

I started off with the Build Your Kit tutorial. The instructions were super clear and easy to follow, and I thought it was especially cool that the whole kit got built into the box it came in. This introductory kit comes with two buttons, two LEDs, a humidity sensor, a VINT Hub Phidget block, and a USB cable which connects your Phidget assembly to your computer.

This introductory kit comes with two buttons, two LEDs, ahumidity sensor, a VINT Hub Phidget block, and a USB cable which connectsyour Phidget assembly to your computer. If you want to get a taste of workingwith Phidgets for yourself, take advantage of the free “Getting Started Kit” from Phidgets (Offer is still available here)

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After building my kit I got started with block-coding. In the first lesson, I followed five simple steps to program my red LED to blink on and off. The tutorial navigation along the top of the screen includes instructions and hints, so that I could check my work every step of the way. As a very visual learner, I appreciate that each block is color coded – it made it super easy to follow the lesson and find all the blocks I needed. After learning to control the LEDs, I moved onto the next lesson, where I learned how to use buttons as my inputs. Each Phidget lesson introduces new code-blocks; as you go through the Getting Started lesson sequence you get to build your confidence using each block.

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My favorite part of the Phidget integration with MakeCode is the two tutorials for games that they included. Both of the games have step-by-step programming tutorials, but they also include extra coding practice, in case you want to further explore and develop your skills.

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You can learn all about Phidgets and Makecode here. Keep your eyes peeled for the new Phidget integration with Scratch, anotherblock-based coding platform! If you want to learn more about how we usePhidgets here at Fluxspace, read our reviews of the Scale Kit and PlantKit!